Senior bureaucrat Rajesh Kumar Meena, a 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has officially taken over as the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, the highest-ranking civil servant in the state administration. His appointment marks a key leadership transition in the state’s bureaucratic structure.
Known for his calm demeanor and deep administrative experience, Meena brings with him over three decades of service across various departments including revenue, forest, rural development, and district administration. Prior to this elevation, he was serving as Additional Chief Secretary, handling critical portfolios that required interdepartmental coordination and policy execution.
Speaking after taking charge, Meena expressed his commitment to strengthening governance at both the state and grassroots levels. “It is an honour to serve the people of Maharashtra in this capacity. My focus will be on improving delivery of public services, ensuring administrative efficiency, and supporting the government’s long-term development goals,” he said.
Sources within the Mantralaya indicated that Meena will immediately begin reviewing departmental performance and prioritizing pending reforms in areas like digital governance, urban planning, and sustainable development. With only two months left before his scheduled superannuation, his appointment signals the government’s preference for experience and continuity in a crucial pre-election period.
The new Chief Secretary succeeds Sujata Saunik, who made history as the first woman to hold the post. Her tenure was marked by a focus on gender equity, institutional reforms, and disaster management.
